Jeff Rake Sets Up 2 Projects At CBS

The $treet and Miss Match co-creator Jeff Rake has sold two projects — a drama and a comedy — to CBS. Both are from Sony Pictures TV, where Rake is based, and both will be written by him. The drama, which he is executive producing with Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment, centers on a female detective who finds she can interact with dead people — the victims of murders she investigates. The comedy, which Rake is executive producing with Fanfare’s Jamie Tarses, is about a well-intentioned family man who struggles with being the perfect dad while his perfect dad lives under his roof. Rake’s series credits also include Hawthorne, Cashmere Mafia and Bones. He recently signed with WME.

17 Comments

another white guy with a deal selling two more been-there-done-that projects.

Dave Mustaine's Toothless Grin • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

CBS is still looking for a basketball wives project for their next work… get on it, Lisa!

Brenda • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Lisa, I’m sure you’re aware that many of the executives buying these pitches are women. The heads of comedy at CBS, NBC, and ABC are all women. The President of CBS entertainment is a woman. Gay men head other networks. Not only are your incessant whining “one comment fits all” posts unfair to men who may be selling thoughtful and clever pitches and fall victim to your commentary regardless, but they’re unfair to these executives who, according to you, have an agenda to buy only from straight white males. It’s untrue, it’s insulting, and it’s ill-researched. You think Sammi at ABC or Tal at NBC or Wendy at CBS, they don’t want to buy from women? You think they’re out to get you, Lisa? If there’s a demographic discrepancy in pitch sales, maybe it’s for reasons other than the one you’re ineloquently hammering to death. I think it’s great to enthusiastically applaud the efforts of the many fantastic women who sell great projects all the time in this town. To spit at the men who do so as well, however, only makes you and our gender look like bitches who can only advance by tearing down others. Start thinking positive and get a better plan, the women who read “Deadline” are begging you, please.

Lisa • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Thanks for the props and the word, Brenda. Truly. But I won’t stop. Men bash women and they’ve been doing it for some time now. It’s time for them to get on their knees and bend over. If I’m the only voice in the male-dominated woods, then so be it. There was just a post on Deadline.com about the shortage of women (also diversity) in the Industry. Thanks again for the word. Do what you want. But I’m gonna take the fight to the men. If they think I’m a bitch, fine. I’ve been called worse. BITCHES UNITE!!!

Lisa • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

You know what? You’re right. Sometimes I can’t help myself. My anger gets the best of me and comes out in ways that I end up regretting. Apologies.

FunkDubious • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Lisa, we get it. But enough with the “white guys get all the deals” posts. Practically speaking, it’s the quickest way to shut down a conversation. Yes, there are a lot of white guys handing out deals to friends, frat brothers and guys that look like them but it’s Hollywood and it ain’t gonna change.

There’s not going to be a black head of a network greenlighting shows that aren’t exclusively about upper middle class white people’s relationship problems… until there is and a great day for television that will be.

Meantime focus on what’s important: another mediocre writer being obscenely overpaid to churn out triple re-fried procedural and sitcom concepts before landing a rewrite on Operation: The Movie 3D.

Anonymous • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

What does “white guy” have to do with it?

Congrats • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Jeff’s a talented guy. i remember yrs ago he was managed by Anonymous. Wonder if he’s still there.

Dave • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

The drama sounds all too familiar to the Jeff Goldblum series “Raines”, while the comedy series could be very similar to “Bleep My Dad Says”. Nothing like recycling ideas!

Classic Liberal • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

…And GHOST WHISPERER, too. With a dash of MEDIUM thrown in.

I cannot believe the “I see dead people” idea is still getting any traction anywhere… with anyone. Did someone actually walk in and pitch this moldy old notion with a straight face…?

And was Nina Tassler really LISTENING to it with a straight face…?

And if so, how???

Anonymous • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Go KAP!

Anonymous • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Rake is a true gentleman and great in the room.

As for sour grapes Lisa, go get a life.

Wow • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Rake PR team out in force.

Scott Lobdell • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

“Rake P.R. Team!” LOL!

I’m not on any p.r. team — I’m just a huge Jeff Rake fan from the Ole’ Days where we both had a deal at FOX. While I haven’t spoken to him in, what, five years… more? I can tell you that of all the writers and show runners and producers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, there are few guys who are nicer and more talented than Mr. Rake.

He is a class act and nothing makes me happier than hearing the rest of Hollywood is standing up and taking notice of his talent!

Go Jeff!

Phil • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

Jeff Rake is one of the nicest guys in the business, I’m very happy to hear about this.

Mike • on Aug 25, 2011 8:00 am

No, when Aaron Kaplan, his WM agent, became a manager, Jeff left Lenny Beckerman at Anonymous to be managed by Aaron. Jeff’s a nice guy but does anyone remember Head Cases? Yikes